Chicago has the second largest public transportation system in the United States. There are several different transport systems to choose from, such as the Metra Commuter Rail, the city buses, or taxi cabs. But if you are new to the Windy City, you might find it confusing at first because of all the routes available. So, here are tips to help you survive Chicago’s public transportation.
- Plan Ahead
There are a lot of places to visit and things to see in Chicago. To get the most out of your travel, plan ahead on the order of places to go to. This way, you’ll spend less time finding your way and more time enjoying the sights and sounds.
You should also learn which routes to take. Check out which sites are close to train stations or bus stops. You can use a regular map or an online map so you know the location of the places you want to visit and the landmarks you need to watch out for. If you wish to book a cabbie for the duration of your stay in Chicago, go for one who is under a legitimate taxi operating company. Take Universal Taxi Dispatch, for instance.
- Check Transportation Fares
Chicago offers you several ways to pay for your transportation. You can pay in cash or through your credit card. There are also transit cards you can load up with your money for easy fare payment. Choose which option is best for your itinerary. If you plan to switch your mode of transportation depending on your schedule, choosing a limited-use card is wiser than buying a full metro card.
- Know Your Ride
Chicago public transportation is divided into three major modes:
- Riding the Bus
When commuting in Chicago, you would most probably take a bus. It is easy as long as you know which bus stops to wait in and what bus you should take. This is precisely the reason why it is important to plan ahead. Always check the destination signs on the bus to make sure you are on the right one.
- Riding the Train
You can purchase Ventra Cards or tickets in every train station in Chicago. You can also load money into your card if you already have one. Also, each station has a map, so you can double check where you are and where your destination is. Follow the signs to get on the right train.
- Riding a Taxi
Of course, the most convenient way to get around the Windy City is to ride a taxi since it can take you from point A to point B directly. And Universal Taxi has made it even easier for you to book a cab simply by downloading its app, input where you are and your destination, then a taxi will be dispatched to your location and take you to your next destination. On top of that, you can always be sure that Universal Taxi cabbies are polite, courteous, and professional.
For you to enjoy the best of this great city, we encourage tourists to take all three modes of transportation for a fuller and richer vacation in Chicago.